Push plate operated switch



June 4, 1957 Y L E. TAYLOR PUSH PLATE OPERATED SWITCH sheets-sheet 1 Filed NOV. 13, 1953 FIG. l.

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June 4, 1957 L. E. TAYLOR PUSH PLATEOPERATED SWITCH 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 13. 1955 llllllllf Il.

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LLOYDV E. TAYLOR @www "M ATTORNEYS United States Patent @ffice 2,794,890? Patented June 4, 1957 PUSH PLATE OPERA'EED SWKTCH Lloyd E. Taylor, Hood River, @rr-eg. Application November 13, 1953, Serial No. 391,323

30 Claims. (Cl. 20o-172) The present invention relates to an electric switch unit. It has for an object to provide a new and improved switch unit for domestic lighting circuits and the like, simple in construction, whereby it may be manufactured at low cost, and which at the same time is attractive in appearance yet rugged and easily installed and operated.

The present application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No. 255,818, filed November 1G, 1951.

The wall switches in general use, for example, in lighting circuits today, are snap-action types having an operating element or elements protruding for a considerable distance from the surface of the wall, In the more modern installations push plate types of switches are preferred in that their relatively flush nature presents a more pleasing appearance and also for the reason of greater ease of operation. Push plate type switch installations as heretofore provided employ a low voltage type of switch mechanism directly operated by the operating plate. The low voltage switch was connected in a low voltage circuit and used to operate a relay that in turn actuated a power switch in the lighting circuit, the latter units generally being located at the outlet for the lighting xture. The disadvantages of such a system are immediately apparent. For example, the necessity for separate high and low voltage circuits increases the installation costs and, furthermore, the number of mechanical operating elements in the circuit is multiplied, thereby increasing the likelihood of obtaining a malfunctioning unit. And, if it is desired to replace the old snap-action type of wall switch in an existing installation, a low voltage circuit must be installed together with a relay operated switch in the lighting circuit so that the conversion costs are not inconsiderable.

It is an object of the present invention, then, to provide a new and improved switch actuating mechanism including a platelike operating member, presenting a novel switch unit of attractive outward appearance.

It is a more specific object of the invention to provide a new and improved switch unit including a platelike operating member and a switch mechanism of normal service voltage capacity whereby the switch unit is adapted for arrangement in conventional lighting circuits.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved mounting bracket for securing switches within conduit boxes, said bracket being simply and inexpensively manufactured.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a novel switch mounting bracket adapted to be secured across the open face of a conduit box. Secured to the bracket and suspended within the conduit box is an integral switch mechanism of the type adapted to be operated by relatively short movement of its externally extending actuating member. Arranged over the bracket is a unique platelike operating member adapted to eifect actuation of the switch, through means interposed between the operating plate and the actuating member of the switch, upon selected movement of the ends of the operating plate toward the bracket member.

For a more complete understanding of my invention and a further appreciation of its objects and advantages, reference is made to the following specication taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view, partly in cross-section,

of an embodiment of the switch unit of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view, partly in cross-section, showing the manner in which the switch unit of my invention is mounted within a conduit box;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view Itaken along line 3 3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are additional views along line 4-4 of Fig. 1 showing various operating positions of one embodiment of the switch actuating mechanism of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the several parts of the switch unit;

Fig. 9 is a bottom perspective View of the switch operating plate;

Fig. 10 is a side elevation in cross-section of a modified form of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12 is a plan view of a detail of the embodiment of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 13-13 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a side elevation, partially in section, of the embodiment of Fig. 11 showing certain details thereof;

Fig. l5 is a view similar to Fig. 14 showing a different operating position of the embodiment of Fig. 11;

Fig. 16 is a view showing a successive step in the operation of the switch of Fig. 11;

Fig. 17 shows still another step in the sequence of operating the switch of Fig. 11; and

Fig. 1S is a side elevation, partially in section, of another moditication of the invention.

Referring now to Figs. l to 9 inclusive, there is shown therein a conduit box 10 in which may be secured the switch unit of my invention which includes a mounting bracket 11, an integral switch mechanism 12, a leaf spring unit 13, 14, an operating plate 15, and an escutcheon plate 16. The elongated, generally planar switch supporting bracket member 11, having a front surface 17 and a rear surface 18, is adapted to be secured across the open face of the conduit box 10 by means of screws 19 threadably engaged in openings provided therefor in the box 10. Means are provided on the bracket for cooperatively receiving and supporting the switch mechanism 12 within the conduit box 10. As shown, the bracket 11 is formed with a substantially rectangular flange 20 struck out of a central portion thereof and extending outwardly from the surface 18. The switch mechanism 12 is secured to the bracket 11 by means of screws 21 which pass through cooperative openings in the body of the switch and are cooperatively received by the ange 26). Preferably the bracket member 11 is arranged whereby the opening 22 formed by the struck-out flange portion is substantially symmetrically and centrally disposed in the bracket with one edge of the flange integrally united to the bracket along an edge of the opening parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bracket.

As illustrated in the modification of Figs. 1 to 9, the switch mechanism 12 has a single actuating plunger 23 and is arranged on the llange 20 whereby the actuating plunger projects through the opening 22 in the bracket member 11. "Preferably this switch mechanism is a switch of the class characterized by an extremely short movement of the actuating plunger necessary lto operate the switch, and `also is preferably of the type biased to Overlying and spaced from the bracket member 11r isA an elongated switch operating plate 1,5. Cooperative means are provided on the operating plate 15 and the,

mounting bracket 11 forV holding the operating plate. in a normal, parallel position in relation to the mounting bracket. In the embodiment shown, this includes a pair of parallel, elongated grooves o r channels facing each other across the surface 17 of the bracket memberl'lE and adapted to engagerthe integral, outstanding parallel flange portions 26 of the operating Iplate Y15 in a/'co'opera-4v tive retentive arrangement. Preferrbly the channelsvare formed by bending the opposite side edges of the mounting bracket to form a channel including an intermediate portion 27 extending outwardly fromA the surface 17 and an edge portion 28 extending back over the surface 17 and substantially parallel thereto. The anges 26L on the operating plate are formed so, as to be of lesser height throughout than the height ofthe channel portion 27 andv may be provided with a pivot-formingl projection, preferably in the form of an arcuately shaped surface 29 extending in the longitudinal -direction on the face thereof adjacent the surface 17. By this arrangement the operating plate 15 is adapted for limited relative movement selectively of its opposite ends toward and away from the surface 17 of the bracket member 11 or, in other words, it may be rocked longitudinally in respect to the bracket member 11. This movement may beV atta-ined, since when one end of the operating plate is depressed toward the bracket -member the opposite end of the operating plate will be precluded from following this movement for more than a short distance, for as the surface 29 of the flange 26 contacts the bracket member 11 the undepressed end of the operating plate ,will move upwardly as the depressed end is moved further toward the bracket member 11.

To effect operation ofthe switch 12, means are operatively arranged between the switch and the operating plate which are responsive to movement of one end of the operating plate toward the bracket effective to close the switch'12 and effective upon movement of the other end of the operatingpla'te toward the bracket to open the switch. The aforementioned means include a first means responsive to the movement of ione end of the operating plate toward the bracket effective to depress the plunger 23 and close the switch, said first means also being effective to hold the switch in a closed position. when the operating plate returns to its normal position.

Also provided is a second means responsive to movement4 of the other end of the operating switch vtoward the mounting Kbracket to render ineffective the ability of said first means to hold the switch in its closed position. In the specific embodiment shown herein these means comprise a leaf spring unit 13, 14. The portion 13 is secured at one end to the switch ,12 by a screwV 30 at a point spaced from and longitudinallyvaligned with the actuating plunger 23.l The spring 13 is arranged so that the unsecured end thereof extends angularly outwardly and longitudinally of the bracket 11 `and so that a central portion thereof normally overlies and.

spring is depressed toward the supportingbracket. 11

rocking movement of the plate 15. The second leaf spring 14 is of generally arcuate shape and is secured at one end thereof to an intermediate portion of the spring 13, such =as by a rivet 31. The spring 14 extends oppositely to the spring 13 and is longitudinally aligned therewith, with the central portion thereof overlying the secured end of the spring 13 and with its unsecured end ex-tending angularly outwardly from the bracket member 11. To provide access to the screw 30 the spring member 14 may be provided with an opening 32.

As is evident, when the unsecured end of the spring 14 is depressed toward the bracket member 11 the spring will tend to rock or pivot about the point of contact of the central portion thereof with the spring 13. Thus, upon depression of the unsecured end of the spring 14, the secured end thereof will tend to move upwardly and away from the switch mounting bracket and will tend to move the spring 13 outwardly from the bracket member 11, thereby reducing the force which the spring 13 applies against the end ofthe actuating plunger 23. The spring members are arrangedso that upon depression of the unsecured end of the spring 14 the force which the springr13 exerts against the actuating plunger 23 is reduced to an amount less than necessary to hold the switch 12 from opening. Thus, alternate depression of the unsecured ends of the springs 13 and 14 will cause the switch 12 to close and open, respectively.

The spring unit 13, 14 is preferably arranged so that the unsecured ends of the springs 13 and 14 will `be slightly biased against the rear surface of the operating plate 15 and urge it to its normal position, that is, parallel to the bracket VA11 with the upper surface of the flange 20 contacting the channel edge portion 28. With the springs thus arranged, and with the cooperative arrangement between the operating plate and the bracket member previously described, it will be seen that alternate depression of the oppositeY ends of the operating plate 15 will result in the alternate depression of the spring members 13 and 14, thereby effecting the closing and opening of the switch 12. These operations are illustrated in Figs. 5 to 7 inclusive. In Fig. 5 the operating plate 1S has been .depressed so as to depress the spring 13 whereby the actuating plunger 23 is moved inwardly to close the switch. In Fig, 6 the operating plate has returned to its regular position but, as ymay be seen, the actuating ,plunger 23 remains at the inward position, being held there by the spring 13 so that the switch remains closed. In Fig. 7 the switch is shown with the end of the loperating plate which lies over the spring 14 depressed. This action has resulted in removal of some of the force exerted on the actuating plunger 23 by thc spring 13 whereby it has been able to move outwardly and the switch is again opened.

As will be observed, the anges 26 and the channel 7.1, 22 comprise cooperative means for limiting the vertical and transverse movement of the operating plate in respect to the bracket; however, they do not cooperate to restrict the relative longitudinal movement of the two members. In the embodiment shown, relative longitudinal movement is prevented by a cooperative arrangement Y between the unsecured ends of the spring members 1 and 14 and the operating plate 15. As is clearly shown in Fig. 9, the operating plate v15 is recessed on the under surface thereof whereby a pair of downwardly depending lips 33 are formed at either end thereof. Since the unsecured ends of the springs 13 and 14 are biased against the under surface of the operating plate, they will engage the lips 33 w-henever the operating plate is moved longitudinallyV in respect to them. The operating plate 15 is preferably of `a length whereby it will extend slightly beyond the unsecured endsl of the springs so that some degree `of longitudinal movement between the bracket member 11 and the operating plate 15 islpermissible. ln l with spring unit 13, 14, this arrangement for locking the operating plate 15 serves a further useful purpose inasmuch as it prevents a person not familiar with the operation of the switch from attempting to repair it if it should get out of adjustment, since without familiarity with the arrangement described he will not be able to remove the operating plate to lget access to the spring unit. It should be noted, however, that the operating plate may easily be removed from the assembled switch by merely inserting a thin element beneath one of the lips 33 `and engaging and -depressing one of the spring members free of the lip so that the operating plate may be moved over it.

To provide a completely enclosed assembly and thus enhance the external appearance of the switch, and also to increase its safety by restricting access to the switch mechanism, an escutcheon plate 16 is provided. The escutcheon plate 16 is secured to the bracket member 11 by screws 34 cooperatively engaged by the bracket member 11, and is provided with a longitudinally extending opening 35 adapted cooperatively to receive the operating plate 15. Suflicient clearance is provided Ibetween the operating plate and the ends of the opening to permit the operating plate to rock 'freely therein, but the opening is of only slightly greater length than the `operating plate whereby it will prevent any substantial movement of the operating plate lin -respect to the bracket member. Since the escutcheon plate will limit the longitudinal movement of the operating plate, the spring-engaging arrangement of the lips 33 of the operating plate 15 may be eliminated if that safety feature is not necessary or desirable under the circumstances in which the switch is to be used.

As mentioned previously, the operating plate is preferably `of a length whereby it will extend beyond the ends of the springs 13 and 14. The permissible longitudinal adjustment of the position of the operating plate 15 in relation to the bracket thus provided is advantageous since tolerances of longitudinal dimensions during manufacturing and assembly can be lrelatively large and yet assure that the escutcheon plate can be fitted over the assembled bracket and operating plate.

The escutcheon plate 16 and the operating plate 15 may both conveniently be molded of plastic t-o form elements of pleasing outward appearance and having electrical insulating properties desirable in connection with their use. The escutcheon plate is preferably provided with ribs 36 extending longitudinally thereof on the rear surface and spaced apart a `distance corresponding to the outside width of the bracket channel portions 27, 28.

In Fig. there is illustrated a modification `of the present invention wherein the switch mechanism is also of the short stroke type having a pair of actuating plungers which are alternately depressed a fraction of an inch to effect operation yof the switch between open and closed positions. Shown in Fig. 10 are -a bracket 11, an operating plate 15, a spring unit 13, 14, and an escutcheon plate 16, the construction and relation of which are substantially the same as similar elements of Figs. l to 9, and bearing ycorresponding identifying numerals. As illustrated, there is provided a switch 40 secured to the flange 20 of the bracket 11, having a pair of actuating plungers 41 and 42 extending from a substantially planar face 43 of the switch. For purposes Iof illustration it will be assumed that the `actuating plunger 41 is -depressed to close the switch and the `actuating plunger 42 is depressed to open the switch, it being understood that in practice either actuating plunger could effect either operation of the switch. The switch 40 is secured to the flange 2i) with the actuating plungers extending through the opening in the bracket member 11 Iand lying approximately in the longitudinal center line of the bracket 11.

Similar to the previously described modification, the spring unit 13, 14, operatively arranged between the operating plate and the actuating plungers 41 and 42, is effective to depress one of the plungers when one end of the operating plate is moved toward the bracket member 6 11 and effective to depress the other one of the actuating plungers when the other end of the operating plate is moved toward the bracket member.

Obviously, with a double actuating plunger switch such as the switch 40, it is not necessary, nor is it especially desired, that either of the leaf springs 13 and 14 normally exert any pressure against the actuating plungers 41 and 42. All that is necessary is that upon depression of an end of the operating plate 15 there is sufficient force transmitted by a spring member to a corresponding actuating plunger to depress it suiciently to actuate the switch. lt is apparent, therefore, that the actuating means interposed between the operating plate and the actuating plungers may take other forms; for example, there may be used a single leaf spring secured at a mid-point thereof between actuating plungers 41 and 42 and with each of the opposite end portions thereof extending over a separate one of the actuating plungers and against a separate end of the operating plate 15.

Referring now to Figs. 11 to 17, inclusive, there is shown a further modification of the invention which incorporates a simple, inexpensive snap action device 50 to effect operation of the switch mechanism. The snap action device comprises a sheet metal base member having an elongate at base portion 52 from the opposite ends of which project a pair of ears 53. The base portion is provided with ,a pair of elongate, longitudinally extending slots or apertures 55, 56 which are separated by a medially spaced bridge portion 57. Mounted between the ears 53 is an elongate leaf spring 5%, the opposite ends of the spring being engaged in cooperative grooves or notches oil formed in the ears and spaced a slight distance from the base portion 52. The leaf spring 59 is of greater length than the length of the arc which would intersect the notches 60 and the bridge 57 and is of such length that when it is flexed toward the base portion it will form a loop into one of the openings 55 or 56. ln Figs. 12 and 13, the spring is shown as projecting into the opening 56, the alternative position being shown in dotted lines at 63, and in which alternative position it will project into the opening 55. As the spring 59 is deflected from one position to the other, the bridge 57 acts as a fulcrum.

The snap action device 50 is shown in Figs. 11 and 14 to 17, inclusive, with a switch 12 having a normally outwardly biased actuating plunger 23 as hereinbefore described. The snap action device 50 is mounted upon the housing of the switch 12 by means of screws 65 with the device positioned so that the plunger 23 extends through one of the apertures 55, 56 into engagement with the spring 59. The switch 12 is mounted on the bracket 1l with the snap action device positioned within the aperture 22 of the bracket. An operating plate 15, substantially as described hereinbefore, is mounted on the bracket 11 for rocking movement with respect thereto. Means are provided for causing deflection of the spring 59 from one of its positions to the other thereof upon alternate depression of the ends of the operating plate 15. Mounted on the under side of the operating plate 15 is an elongate actuating element 70 having a substantially flat, medial portion 71 which abuts against the under surface of the operating plate 15, the element being secured to the plate by means of a screw 72. Each of the opposite ends of the actuating element is trifurcated to provied a pair of narrow legs 75 disposed on the opposite sides of a tongue 76. The legs 75 and tongue 76 are bent to project outwardly from the bottom of the operating plate 15, the legs 75 being adapted to straddle the spring 59 and to engage the base portion 52. The actuating element 7d is formed of a reseilient material whereby the legs 75 cause the operating plate to be biased into general parallelism with the plane of the snap action device base portion 52, when an end of the plate is not depressed manually. The tongue 76 is disposed over the spring 59 and is adapted to cause the spring to de- 7?J ilect from one position to the other as the operating plate is correspondingly rocked.-

Referring now to Figs. l4'to 17, inclusive, Fig. 14 shows the operating pl-ateein neutral position with-the spring 59 deflected. into theopening S5 whereby the actuating plunger 23 is biased fully outwardly of theA switch housing. In Fig. l5 the lower end of the operating plate has been depressed to cause the 1ower-tongue76 to engage the spring 59- and-cause thesame to snap or defleet into theopening 56, the deflection of the spring causing the switchactuating plunger 23 to be depressed inwardly of the'switch housing.

In Fig. 16, the switch is shown in its normal position after the depressing force-has been released from the lower end of the switch operating plate 15, the legs 75 having biased the operating plate to its normal parallel position in respect to the base portion 52. The spring 59, on the other hand, retains itsdetlected position and plunger 23 remains depressed.

In Fig. 17, the upper end of the operating plate 1S has been depressed to cause the spring 59 to snap back to the initial position shown in Fig; 14, whereupon the actuating plunger 23 is released. Thus, it will be observed that alternate depression of the opposite ends of the operating plate will cause the switch 12 -to operate.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the present modification with the switch 40 having a pair of actuating plungers 41, 42, and described hereinbefore. It will be Vquite obvious that alternate depression of the ends of the operating plate will cause first one and then the other of the acuating plungers 41, 42 to be depressed and the opposite plunger to be released whereby the switch 40'will be caused to operate.

It can be seen from the foregoing that the present invention provides a switch construction -especially adapted to form an unobtrusive-control unit lin a lighting circuit and, furthermore, provides a unit that may be easily substituted for the existing snap-action type of switch presently in common use in4 common llO-volt circuits. Though described witheparticular reference to lighting circuits, it should be understood that the switch is adapted for use in any type Vof circuit utilizing normal service voltages.

Having illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention, it should be apparent'to those skilled in the art that the invention permits of modification in arrangement and detail.l I claim-as my invention all such modifications as come within the true spirit and scope ofV the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a switch apparatus of the class-described, anA

elongated switch mounting bracket adapted for spanning the open side of a conduit box, said bracket having a substantially flat front surface, an enlarged opening substantially centrally disposed in said bracket, said'bracket including means for cooperatively receiving and supporting a switch mechanismV disposed behind said opening, the opposite elongate Vsideedge portions of said bracket defining parallel, elongate grooves facing eachother across said front surface, anelongate switch operating plate element having integral outstanding parallel flange portions on each of the opposite-elongate sides thereof for cooperative retentive arrangement within said grooves, said flanges being loosely retained in said grooves to permit limited, relative movement selectively of the opposite ends of saidswitch operating plate element toward and away from said front surface.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination of a generally planar, elongated switch mounting bracket having front and'irear surfaces and having the opposite side edges thereof bent outwardly and inwardly ofsaid front surfaceforming a longitudinally extending nels, and'an1eseutcheon platev overlying and removablyv ,escutcheon plate opening permitting vertical movement of said operating plate in respect-to said mounting bracket but precludingrelative substantial longitudinal movement between said operatingplate and said mounting bracket.

3. In a deviceA of'the character described, the combina tion of` a generally. planar, elongated switch mounting bracket having frontand rear surfaces, the opposite side edges of'said bracketbeingbent outwardly and inwardly of said bracket :thereby forming a longitudinally extending channel on each of the side edges thereof, an elongated switchoperating :plate disposed over said bracket having flange portions adapted to be received by said channels, said angesfbeing ofllesser thickness than the height of said channelsand having an arcuate shape inthe longitudinal direction on the side adjacent said bracket whereby said operating plate may be. rocked longitudinally in respect to said bracket.

4. In combination, a switch mounting bracket having front and rear'surfaces and having an opening therein, a switch including actuating means extending therefrom, means securing said switch behind said mounting bracket with said actuating means accessible through said opening, a switch operatingrplate positioned substantially parallel to said mounting bracket and spaced from said front surface in juxtaposition with said actuating means, and means-operatively arranged between said switch and said operatingplate responsive to movement of one end of said operating plate toward said bracket for causing movement of said actuating means and said switch to one position thereofand 'responsive to movement of the other end of said operatingplate toward said bracket for causing movement of said actuating means and said switch to the other position thereof.

5 In a circuit closure device having an elongated switch mounting bracket having a front and a rear surface, an integral switch mechanism mounted on said bracket therebehind, and switch actuating means including an elongated leaf spring member secured intermediate its ends to said switch and vwith the opposite ends thereof extending angularly outwardly and oppositely to each other from said front surface of said mounting bracket; the invention vcornprisingan elongated operating plate overlying said front surfaceof said mounting bracket in juxtaposition with said spring member, sad operating plate` being recessed on the surface thereof adjacent said bracket, and cooperativevmeans. on said operating plate and said mounting bracket for limiting the vertical and transverse movement of. said operating plate in respect to said bracket, said last-mentioned means beingV adapted to position said operating platewith the outwardly extending ends of said spring-member engaged in said recess whereby said spring member serves to limit the longitudinal movement of said operating plate in respect to said mounting bracket.

6. The combination comprising an elongated switch mounting bracket having a front and a rear surface adapted to lbe secured to a conduit box with said front surface facing outwardly from said box, said bracket being provided with a longitudinally extending opening, an integral switch mechanism secured behind said mounting bracket, said switch mechanism including actuating means accessible through said opening, the opposite side edges of said bracket being bent back over the front surface thereof thereby forming` a longitudinally extending channel on Aeach side of said mounting bracket, an elongated switch operating plate including longitudinally extending ilanges engaged iny said `channels positioned over said mounting bracket in juxtaposition with said actuating means, said flanges beingof lesser thickness than the height of .said .channels and having an arcuate shapein the longitudinal: direetion=on thesides adjacentsaidmounting bracket whereby the ends of said operating plate may be alternatively depressed toward said bracket, 'and means operatively arranged between said switch and said operating plate responsive to movement of one end of said operating plate toward said bracket effective to actuate said actuating means to move said switch to one position thereof and responsive to movement of the other end of said operating plate toward said bracket effective to actuate said actuating means to move said switch to the other position thereof.

7. The combination comprising an elongated switch mounting bracket having front and rear surfaces, an elongated switch operating plate overlying and spaced from the front surface of said mounting bracket, said operating plate having a normal position parallel to said mounting bracket and adapted for alternate movement of its opposite ends toward said mounting bracket, an opening in said mounting bracket beneath said operating plate, an integral switch mechanism secured behind said mount ing bracket, said switch mechanism including an actuating plunger accessible through said opening7 said switch mechan-ism being biased to a normal position in which said plunge-r is extended outwardly, first means operatively arranged between said switch `and said operating plate responsive to movement of one end of said operating plate toward said mounting bracket eitective to depress said plunger and move said switch from said normal position, said first means being effective to restrain said switch from reassuming said normal position after return of said operating plate to said normal position, and second means operatively arranged between said switch and said operating plate responsive to movement of the other end of said operating plate toward said mounting bracket to render inelective the ability of said first means to restrain said switch from assuming said normal position.

8. In combination, a normally open switch mechanism including an actuating plunger operative by a longitudinal travel of the plunger of a small fraction of an inch, said switch mechanism being of the type biased so that a greater force is required to move said plunger to close said switch than is required to retain said switch in closed position, an elongated first leaf spring secured at one end thereof to said switch with its other end extending angularly upwardly from said switch, the central portion of said first spring being arranged to overlie and contact said plunger and to operate said plunger when said other end is `depressed toward said switch, said rst spring being adapted and arranged to apply normally a depressive force against said plunger suicient to retain said switch in closed position, and an arcuate, elongated second leaf spring secured at one end thereof to said rst spring in the region of the center portion of said first spring and longitudinally aligned with said rst spring, the center portion of said second leaf spring overlying said secured end of said first spring with the other, unsecured end of said second leaf spring extending angularly upwardly from said switch whereby when pressure is applied to the unsecured end of said second leaf spring said secured end of said second leaf spring will tend to move upwardly from said switch thereby reducing the force applied by said rst leaf spring to said plunger to an amount less than that required to retain said switch in closed position.

9. In combination, a switch mounting bracket comprising a generally planar, elongated member having front and rear surfaces and having an opening therein, the opposite side edges of said mounting bracket being bent back over said member forming a longitudinally l mal position than is required to restrain said switch from reassuming said normal position when moved therefrom, means for securing said switch to said bracket behind said opening with said operating plunger extending outwardly through said opening, an elongated, resilient first strip secured at one end thereof to said switch and adapted and arranged to extend angularly outwardly and longitudinally of said bracket and over said actuating plunger and normally exert a force on said actuating plunger sufficient to restrain said switch from reassuming said normal position when moved therefrom but insuiiicient to move said switch from said normal position, said rst strip being adapted to actuate said plunger upon depression toward said switch of the unsecured end thereof, an arcuate, elongated, resilient second strip secured at one end thereof to said rst strip in the region of the center portion of said iirst strip and extending oppositely to said first strip, said second strip arranged with the center portion thereof overlying said secured end of said first strip and with the unsecured end thereof extending angularly outwardly from said bracket whereby upon depressing said unsecured end of said second strip said secured end of said second strip will tend to move outwardly from said switch and thereby reduce the force applied by said iirst strip to said actuating plunger to an amount less than necessary to hold said switch from reassuming said normal position, and a switch operating plate including flanges engaged in said channel positioned in juxtaposition with said strips and contacting the unsecured ends thereof, said iianges being of lesser thickness than the height of said channel and having an arcuate shape in the longitudinal direction whereby said operating plate may be rocked longitudinally in respect to said bracket to alternativeiy depress the unsecured ends of said first and second strips, said operating plate being of a length to extend beyond the unsecured ends of said strips and having downwardly projecting lips at either end thereof to engage said unsecured ends of said strips and restrict the longitudinal movement of said operating plate.

lO. In combination, an elongated switch mounting bracket having front and rear surfaces and an opening therein, an integral switch mechanism including an actuating plunger extending therefrom, said switch mechanism being biased to a normal position in which said actuating plunger is extended outwardly, means for securing said switch to said bracket behind said opening with said actuating plunger extending outwardly through said opening, said switch being of the type wherein a greater force is required to actuate said plunger to move said switch from said normal position than is required to restrain said switch from reassuming said normal position when moved therefrom, an elongated, resiiient first strip secured at one end thereof to said switch and adapted and arranged to extend angularly outwardly and longitudinally of said bracket and lover said actuating plunger and normally exert a force on said actuating plunger suicient to restrain said switch from reassuming said normal position when moved therefrom but insuicient to move said switch from said normal position, said rst strip being adapted to actuate said plunger upon depression toward said switch of the unsecured end thereof, an arcuate, elongated, resilient second strip secured at one end thereof to said first strip in the region of the center portion of said first strip and extending oppositel)l to said first strip, said second strip being arranged with the center portion thereof contacting said switch and the unsecured end thereof extending angularly outwardiy a distance above said bracket whereby upon depressing said unsecured end of said second strip said secured end of said second strip will tend to move outwardly from said switch and thereby reduce the force applied by said first strip to said actuating plunger to an amount less than necessary to hold said switch from reassuming said normal position, and a switch operating plate overlying said bracket and spaced from the front surface thereof in juxtaposition with said strips and contacting the unsecured ends thereof, said operating plate being adapted forI al-V ternate movement ofthe opposite ends thereof toward said bracket whereby said first and secondvstrips may be alternatively depressed to actuate said switch.

11. In combination, a switch mounting bracket having an opening therein, an integral switch mechanism including a frame structure therefor having at least one substantially planar face and a pair of spaced-apart actuating. plungers projecting through said face, said switch mechanism being of the type wherein depression of one of said plungers a distance of theorderof a small fraction of an inch is effective to close said switch and3depression of the other of said plungers adistance of the order of a fraction of an inch is elective to open said switch, means securing said switchmechanism to said mounting bracket with said actuating plungers projecting through saidopening, a switchoperating plate positioned.k inrparallel relation to said mounting bracket 1n juxta position with said actuating plungers and spaced a.dis tance from said mounting bracket, said operating plate being adapted and arranged for alternate movement of the ends thereof toward said bracket member, and means operatively arranged between said operating plate and said actuating plungers responsive to movement of one end of said operating plate toward said bracket eective to depress one of said plungers, said last-mentioned means being responsive to movement of the other end ofsaid operating plate toward said bracket to depress the other one of said actuating plungers.

12. In combination, an elongated switch mounting bracket having front and rear surfaces and a centrally located opening in said mounting bracket, an integral switch mechanism including a frame structure thereforv having at least one substantially planar face and a pair of spaced-apart actuating plungers projecting through said face, one of said plungers being effective upon depression thereof to close said switch and the other effective upon depression thereof to open said switch, means securing said switch behind said mounting bracket with said actuating plungers projecting through said opening and lyingV approximately in the longitudinal center line of said mounting bracket, an elongated, arcuate, resilient spring unit secured at a centrally located point thereof to said planar face at a point intermediate said actuating plungers and aligned with each of the oppositely extending portions of said spring unit extending generally outwardly and 'over a separate one of said actuating plungers whereby depression of an end of said spring unit will cause the corresponding actuating plunger to be depressed, an elongated switch operating plate positioned in parallel relation to said mounting bracket and supported by the ends of said spring unit, an outwardly extending flange on each longitudinal side of said operating plate, means defining a channel on each longitudinally extending side of said mounting bracket including an intermediate portion extending outwardly from said front surface a distance substantially greater than the thickness of said flanges, the end portions of said channels extending back over said front surface and substantially parallel thereto, said flanges being engaged by said channels, and a depending, centrally located pivot-forming projection on each of said flanges whereby said operating plate may be alternatively depressed at either end to depress the corresponding end of said spring unit located therebeneath, said operating plate being of greater length than said spring unit and having a depending portion at either end thereof adapted to engage said spring ends when saidoperating plate is moved longitudinally in said channel in respect to said mounting bracket thereby limiting the longitudinal movement of said operating plate.

13. In combination, a generally planar switch mounting bracket having a centrally disposed aperture therethrough, a switch including actuating means extending therefrom securedy to said bracket on one side thereof'with said actuatingrneansgaccessible.through said aperture, a rockinggswitchroperating plate mounted/on said bracket on` thefside thereof opposite said switch; said operating plate beingmounted'for rockingmovement in respect to the plane of said bracketfabout a medially ldisposed transverse` axis of said plate, and-means operatively arranged between said switch and said operating plate responsive to movement of one end of-said operating plate toward said bracket for causing movement of said actuating means and said switch to one position thereof and responsive to movement of the other end of saidoperating plate toward said bracket for causing movement of said actuatingy means and said switch to the other position thereof.

14. In a device of the class described, a generally planar mounting bracket having an aperture therethrough, a

switch including a normally outwardly biased actuating J plunger, said switch being mounted upon oneside of said bracket with said plunger. accessible through' said aper-A ture, a rocking operating plate mounted on the opposite` side of saidvbracket in juxtaposition with said plunger whereby upon movement of one end thereof toward said' bracket said plunger is depressed, and'upon movement of the other end thereof said plunger` is released,- and means operatively arranged between said switch and said plate effective to restrain said`pl-unger inthe depressed position when moved thereto by said plate.

15. In a switch, a generally planary mounting bracket having an opening therethrough, a switch mechanism including a normally outwardly biased actuating plunger mounted on-one side of said bracket with said plunger accessible through said aperture, a rocking operating plate mounted on the opposite side of said bracket in operative arrangement with said plunger whereby upon depression of-one end of said plate said 'plunger is depressed, means operatively arranged between said switch mechanism and said plate etective to restrain said'plunger in the depressed position when moved thereto, depression of the opposite end of said plate being effective to release said plunger whereby said switch mechanism is restored to its original condition.

16. In a switch device of the class described, a switch mechanism including an outwardly biased actuating plunger, an elongated operating plate operatively associated with said switch mechanism and adapted to actuate said switch mechanism, means'operatively arranged between said switch mechanism and said plate for effecting depression of said plunger upon depression` of one end of said operating plate and retention of said plunger 1n such depressed position upon movement there to, said means being rendered ineffective to restrain outward movement of said plunger upon depression oftheopposite end of said plate.

17. In a device of the class described, a generally flat switch mounting bracket having an aperture therethrough,

a switch mechanism mounted on one side of said bracket and having actuating means projecting through said aperture, an elongate operating plate mounted on the other side of said bracket for rocking movement substantially about the medial transverse axis of said operating plate, means operatively arranged between said operatingA plate and said actuating means responsive to depression `ofone` end of said operating plate toward said bracket for causing movement of said actuating means and switch vmechamsm to one position thereof and responsive to 'depression of the other end of said operating plate for causingV action device operatively arranged between said actuating means and said operating plate, and responsive to rocking movement of said operating plate in one direction to actuate said switch actuating means and said switch to one position thereof, and responsive to rocking movement of said operating plate in the opposite direction to actuate said switch actuating means and said switch to the other position thereof.

19. In an apparatus of the class described, a generally flat switch mounting bracket having an aperture therein, a switch mechanism mounted upon one side of said bracket and having switch actuating means extending through said aperture, an elongated switch operating plate mounted adjacent the opposite side of said bracket in normally spaced relation thereto, resilient means for urging said operating plate into parallelism with said bracket, and a snap action device operatively arranged between said actuating means and said operating plate and responsive to depression of one end of said operating plate toward said bracket to operate said actuating means and switch to one position thereof, and responsive to depression of the opposite end of said operating plate toward said bracket to operate said actuating means and said switch to the other position thereof.

20. In a switch apparatus of the class described, a switch mechanism including a normally outwardly biased actuating plunger, a two position snap action device mounted on said mechanism operative in one position to restrain said plunger in the depressed position, and operative in the other position thereof to permit outward movement of said plunger, and an elongate rocking operating plate operatively associated with said apparatus for effecting operation of said snap action device from either one of said positions to the other thereof upon a1- ternate depression of the opposite ends of said operating plate, said operating plate being mounted for rocking movement about the medial transverse axis of said perating plate.

2l. In combination, a switch mechanism including a housing, and a snap action device mounted on said housing for operating the switch, said device comprising a sheet metal member having an elongate flat base portion and a pair of ears at each of the opposite ends thereof, and an elongate, normally straight leaf spring having its opposite ends secured in said ears in spaced relation to said base portion, said spring being of greater length than the length of the arc intersecting said resilient member ends and a point on said base portion medially between said ears, said base portion having a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart, elongate apertures therein spaced one on each of the opposite sides of said point, said spring being flexed toward said base portion, the length of said spring causing it to deflect into one of said apertures, said spring being defiectable from said one aperture into the other of said apertures upon depressing of the portion of the spring thereover toward said base portion, the part of said base portion between said apertures acting as a fulcrum as said spring is deiiected from one to the other of said apertures, said switch mechanism including an outwardly biased actuating plunger extending outwardly of said housing through one of said apertures into engagement with said spring whereby said plunger is depressed 0r released as said spring is defiected into the corresponding aperture or deected into the other aperture, respectively.

22. The combination comprising a switch mechanism including a housing, switch actuating means extending from said housing comprising a plunger, and a snap action device mounted on said housing comprising an elongate, fiat base member having an outwardly extending ear on each of its opposite ends, said member having a pair of longitudinally spaced apart apertures therein, said plunger projecting into one of said openings, and an elongate leaf spring extending between said ears, the opposite ends of said spring being secured in said ears in spaced relation to said base member, said spring being of slightly greater length than the distance between said ears and being exed toward said base member and being of such length that it is caused to project into one of said openings, said spring being adapted to depress said plunger when flexed to project into said first mentioned one opening, said plunger being released upon flexure of said spring to cause the same to project into the other of said openings.

23. In an electrical switch device, a snap action contact control means comprising, in combination, an elongate leaf spring, means defining a pair of fixed, spaced abutments engaging the opposite ends of said spring, and fixed fulcrum means spaced intermediate said abutment means in odset relation to a line between the opposite ends of said spring, said spring being of greater length than the length of the circular arc intersecting said fulcrum means and said spring ends, said spring being flexed toward said fulcrum means whereby the portion thereof between said fulcrum means and one of said abutment means is caused to bow outwardly of said arc and the portion thereof between said fulcrum means and the other of said abutment means is caused to bow inwardly of said arc, said spring being adapted to flex and to reverse said bowed positions upon forcing of one of said bowed portions toward the opposite bowed position, a rocking operating plate mounted adjacent said spring in parallelism thereto, and means operatively arranged between said operating plate and said spring responsive to alternate depression of the ends of said operating plate toward said spring to flex said spring alternately between the two positions thereof.

24. In an electrical switch device, a snap action contact control means comprising, in combination, an elongate leaf spring, means dening a pair of fixed, spaced abutments engaging the opposite ends of said spring, fixed fulcrum means spaced medially of said abutment means in offset relation to a line between the opposite ends of said spring, said spring being of greater length than the length of the circular arc intersecting said fulcrum means and said spring ends, said spring being flexed toward said fulcrum means whereby the portion thereof between said fulcrum means and one of said abutment means is caused to bow outwardly of said arc and the portion thereof between said fulcrum means and the other of said abutment means is caused to bow inwardly of said arc, said spring being adapted to flex and to reverse said bowed positions upon forcing of one of said bowed portions toward the opposite bowed position, and plunger means resiliently biased into contact with said spring between said fulcrum means and one of said abutment means and movable in the direction of fiexure of said spring whereby said plunger reciprocates in response to changes in the said bowed positions of said spring.

25. In an electrical switch device, a snap action contact control means comprising, in combination, an elongate leaf spring, means defining a pair of xed, spaced abutments engaging the opposite ends of said spring, fixed fulcrum means spaced medially between said Yabutment means in offset relation to a line between the opposite ends of said spring, said spring being of greater length than the length of the circular arc intersecting said fulcrum means and said spring ends, said spring being iiexed toward said fulcrum means whereby it is caused to bow outwardly of said arc between said fulcrum means and one of said abutment means and to bow inwardly of said arc between said fulcrum means and the other of said abutment means, said spring being adapted to be flexed and to reverse said bowed positions, and switch means operatively connected to said spring for operation in response to changes in the said bowed positions of said spring.

26.- A snap action device,-.comprising.a support member having an elongateV fiat base'portion land a pair of ears at each of the opposite ends thereof, and an elongate, normally straight resilient member having its opposite ends secured in said ears in spaced relation to said base portion, said resilient member being of greater length than the length of thev arc intersecting said resilient member ends and a point on said base portion medially between said ears, said base portion havinga pair of langitudinally spaced apart, elongate apertures therein spaced one on each of the opposite sides of said point, said resilient member being flexed toward said base portion, thelength of said resilient member causing it to deflect into one of said aperturessaid resilient member being deectable into the other of said apertures upon depressing of theiportion of the resilientmember thereover toward said base portion, lthepart of said base portion between said apertures acting as a fulcrum as said resilient member is deflected from one to the other of said apertures.

27. A two position snap action device comprising an elongate, at base member having an upstanding ear at each of its opposite ends, said base member having a pair of elongate, longitudinally spaced apart openings therein, and an elongate leaf spring mounted adjacent said base member in juxtaposition to said openings, the opposite ends of said spring being ,engaged in cooperative notches formed in said ears, said spring being of greater length than the distance between said ears whereby said spring normally loops inwardly of one of said base member openings, and upon depression of the. opposite end of said spring toward said base member said spring will snap over to form a loop into the other of said openings.

28. In a device of the class described, a switch including actuating means extending therefrom, an elongate rocking switch operating plate mounted adjacent said actuating means for rocking movement about a medial transverse axis of said plate, and means operatively arranged between said switch and said operatingplate responsive to movement of one end of said operating plate toward said switch for causing movement of said actuating means .andsaid switch to one position thereof and responsive to movement ofthe other end of said operating plate toward said switch for causing movement of said actuatingvmeans and said switch to the other position thereof.

29. In a device of the class described, a switch including a normally outwardly biased actuating plunger, an elongated rocking operating plate mounted in juxtaposition with said plunger whereby upon movement of one end thereof toward said switch said plunger is depressed, andupon movement of the other end thereof toward saidswitch said plunger is released, said elongated plate being mounted for rocking movement about a medial transverse axis of said plate, and means operatively arranged between said switch and Said-plate effective to restrain-said plunger inthe depressed position thereof when moved thereto by said plate.

30. In combination, a switch including switch actuating means.- movable between two positions to actuate saidiswitch, a rocking operating plate mounted adjacent said switch for rocking movement about a medial transverse axis of said plate, saidplate and 'actuating means having means associated therewith for moving said actuating means to one of said positions and retaining said actuating means in said one position when the portion of said plate on one side of said axis is moved toward said switch and released and for moving said actuating means to its other position `when the portion of said plate on the other side of said axis is moved toward said switch.

References CitedV in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,113,092 Beugler Oct. 6, 1914 2,285,887 Benander lune 9, 1942 2,374,435 Iordan Apr. 24, 1945 2,424,527 Whyte et al.Y July 22, 1947 2,550,250 Huppert Apr. 24, 1951 2,587,399 Smith Feb. 26, 1952 2,762,845 De Smidt Feb. 22, 1955 F ORElGN PATENTS 639,129 Germany NOV. 28, 1936 

